Medical check-ups for children can be an important building block for healthy development. In the first years of life especially, children make enormous developmental leaps. It is important that, during check-ups, the doctor regularly assesses the child’s general health and age-appropriate development. In this way, any problems or abnormalities can be detected and addressed at an early stage.
CorSwiss arranges check-ups in Switzerland for you and your children. Our specialists have worked within the Swiss healthcare system for more than 10 years, which makes them true experts in this field.
The examination
A preventive medical check-up should include sight and hearing tests. At the age of 3 or 4, eye tests involve the use of charts and examination with instruments.
It is recommended that every child has an annual check-up – a very important habit for their health. Regular check-ups help prevent conditions that could develop in the future and support healthy growth.
Below are the main tests that can be carried out under the guidance of a paediatrician.
Blood tests
You may already know that taking blood from a child is not easy. Even so, a blood test is essential for preventing various infections and conditions, including anaemia and viral or bacterial infections.
In addition to the blood count, the paediatrician may order other important tests: a lipid profile (to assess cholesterol levels), blood glucose (to assess blood sugar), thyroid levels (T4 and TSH), and serum iron and ferritin (to assess possible anaemia).
Whether these tests are recommended depends on the paediatrician, who may set a regular schedule or order them in response to specific symptoms the child shows.
The child’s age and many other factors determine whether further tests will be carried out.
Urea and creatinine tests
Blood levels of these substances can indicate kidney problems, so these tests may be ordered at any sign of impaired kidney function, or where close family members may have hereditary conditions, in order to detect a problem early.
Stool test for parasites
Children are often at greater risk of worm infections because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Children also tend to have more contact with floors, dirt and dust, and often put dirty hands in their mouths, which makes them more susceptible to infection.
That is why the stool test most often recommended for children is a parasitological one, which looks for parasites and protozoa that may be a sign of helminthiasis.
You should also see a doctor if your child shows symptoms of intestinal worms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, anaemia and breathing problems.
Urine test
A urine test is a simple test that is very helpful in detecting various conditions – those affecting the kidneys and urinary tract, as well as kidney disease and even diabetes.
Urinary tract infection is one of the main problems children can face. This is because, in addition to the urinary tract still developing, the child is still learning to control toilet visits and forming first hygiene habits.
Look out for the following symptoms: sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, irritability, constant crying or fever with no apparent cause. In all these cases, consult a paediatrician to investigate the problem.
Eye test
An eye test should be carried out on the maternity ward to check that the newborn’s sight is normal. If all is well, a repeat eye examination is recommended from the first year of life to check the child’s visual development during this period.
In childhood, signs such as squinting while watching television or reading a book, or frequently tripping, falling or bumping into things, may indicate that the child’s sight needs assessing.
During the school years it is especially important to see an ophthalmologist regularly, to prevent learning difficulties and poor performance at school caused by poor eyesight.
Hearing tests
Just as a short eye test assesses sight, a short ear test is carried out on the maternity ward to assess how the baby perceives sound.
After this screening, it is advisable to continue monitoring the child’s hearing in the first years of life and during the school years.
Recently adopted children
This group of children deserves particular attention when it comes to check-ups, as the family medical history or the mother’s prenatal conditions are often unknown.
